College of Osteopathic Medicine Spring Commencement
More than 200 new graduates from the College of Osteopathic Medicine took their moment in the sun as they proudly walked across the stage during Spring Commencement at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on May 1.
More than 160 graduates came from the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program, including 50 of whom will be staying in Nevada to do their residency. Throughout the past four years, Touro University Nevada’s College of Osteopathic Medicine has added approximately 200 new physicians to the Nevada workforce as the state desperately tries to solve its physician shortage.
Philip Fedor, a Southern California native who will do his family medicine residency at the Valley Health System in Nevada, spoke about the importance of resolve and resilience during his Commencement speech. Fedor, like the rest of his classmates, was at the tail-end of his first year of medical school when the world was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic.
He and his fellow Touro students were forced to complete their studies virtually while attending on-campus labs fully clothed in personal protective equipment while observing social distancing.
“Our faculty’s advice helped us in making choices for our futures,” he told the more than 2,000 guests in attendance. “The support of our peers has been extremely valuable. Despite being physically separated during virtual learning, we ensured that our bonds remained strong.”
Julienne Zhou, class speaker for the Master’s of Medical Health Sciences program who will soon begin her journey as a first-year student in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, spoke about how having a strong support system can help you succeed.
“It takes a strong support system as well as inner determination, time, energy, and focus to succeed,” she said. “As we all move forward toward the next chapter of our lives, remember to make time for loved ones and stay grateful and dedicated to your goals. Breathe, trust, work hard, and commemorate how far you go.”
